Yes, indeed. When you even have Luke Skywalker criticizing you as being a member of the Dark Side of the Force, you probably have problems.
Of course, this is actor Mark Hammill, who plays Skywalker in the Star Wars movie series, and who broke big in 1977 as a result of the phenomenal popularity of the Star Wars movie. The took on the Skywalker role again in the two follow-up films in the 1980's, and after nearly a thirty-year absence, became Skywalker again in the most recent installment of the series, "The Force Awakens," although he said not a word, and his iconic character's appearance came only right at the end of the film.
Still, he brought life to the young Jedi Knight, and it was at least in part due to this that he became a cult figure. He also was the iconic voice of the Joker, Batman's most famous rival, for the animated series. Clearly, this guy's been around quite a bit.
Yet, one area where you do not see or hear much from Hammill is politics, although with the enormity of the 2016 elections, perhaps it was inevitable that he would have something to say about it. And what he had to say was not favorable to the incoming President-elect. In fact, he said that he was "in total denial," and elaborated further:
“I’m glad I have [the show] to take my mind off what’s going on. Because if you look at what’s being assembled for our government it’s like, yikes. It’s a who’s-who of really despicable people.”
He also spoke about the temptation expressed by many Americans to simply run away from it all:
“It’s tempting to say, ‘Well, I’m moving to Canada, I can’t stand it. But in other ways, it’s a challenge to stay and defend your country and do what you think is right and not retreat and hide under the covers. It’s not gonna be easy, that’s for sure.”
He also pretty aptly described the divisive tone in the country today, suggesting that “half the people in the country are thrilled and delighted and half the people are disgusted, repulsed, and embarrassed.”
Indeed, that does seem to be the overall feel of the country. As the recent video of the man on the crowded airplane yelling at those he presumes to be Hillary Clinton fans indicates, as well as countless online memes and tweets, many Trump supporters appear to relish in tormenting those who see nothing positive in the election victory of Trump. Yet, obviously paradoxically, many of these same people would blast those who refuse to unite behind the President-elect.
These are negative and rather startling times, of course. The most common description that I continually hear is that these times are "weird," and indeed, things seem to be perpetually unsettled and volatile. Perhaps that is why many seem to turn to, and take increasing comfort in things like Star Wars, which allow them to escape the grim reality of our world, if only briefly.
Hammill talks about that a little bit, and says that the movies do have something to teach, and that the overall message was positive:
"It sounds corny, but the Star Wars films were incredibly optimistic films. They talked about doing good just because it helps others and being selfless and understanding your place in the universe. Beyond being entertaining, I hope that’s a message that kids still respond to. Because I still believe that. I still believe all those tenets of ‘treat others the way you want to be treated’ and so forth.”
Mark Hamill Blasts Trump’s Cabinet: ‘It’s a Who’s-Who of Really Despicable People’ The celebrated actor best known as Luke Skywalker in the ‘Star Wars’ movies opens up about his new show ‘Pop Culture Quest,’ the election, and Luke’s sexuality. Melissa Leon MELISSA LEON 11.27.16
No comments:
Post a Comment